It was something of a left-field appointment that has since proven to be a spectacular success given the Dutchman has just taken the club to the Premier League title inside 10 months of his appointment.

So having been informed that Alexander-Arnold would be seeking pastures new as far back as March, it will be no surprise to hear Liverpool are not racing to their panic stations when it comes to the succession plan of their vice-captain.

Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong is the first real name to be linked in connection with filling the hole Alexander-Arnold will leave in the champions' squad this summer.

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It's been widely reported that Frimpong would jump at the chance of moving to Merseyside, should any interest be formalised by Liverpool and the player's representative, Jeffrey Lemmert, set tongues wagging across social media this week when he posted a caption of 'we working' alongside an hourglass and rock-climbing emojis while travelling on an unspecified road.

It was the sort of cryptic post that has become par for the course where the transfer window is concerned, while Frimpong has also previously outlined his admiration for the Reds.

"Liverpool is a great club with history," Frimpong is said to have told Ziggo Sport back in February 2024.

As a result, it was a transfer that was wrapped up in just a few days.

With Frimpong having made it known he would love to come on board with his three international colleagues of Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, coupled with the release clause, Liverpool will feel they are well positioned at this stage of the rebuilding phase.

Personal terms for the 24-year-old would not be a stumbling block, so with the player keen and the clause in place, any formal move could be theoretically concluded at speed.

That's why there will be a relaxed approach to the Frimpong debate and why, in mid-May - and with the Premier League season still two games from concluding - Liverpool feel they are in no need to push forward with any particular plan for life after Alexander-Arnold just yet.

He needs time, Conor, and a good programme to keep him fit."

It was a flattering comparison given Hakimi's exploits for Champions League finalists PSG this season but one that Slot would not make without being convinced of Bradley's quality